Defensive Line: Big changes were needed here and have happened. I was disappointed Chris Baker was allowed to go for the money that Tampa Bay paid him but sometimes change just happens and we've had good years out of him at a very reasonable rate. In as free agents were Stacey McGee (Raiders) and Terrell McClain (Cowboys). Both can play several spots on the line but McClain has not shown much in camp and preseason so far. The team also added former first round pick of the Browns, Phil Taylor (not the darts player!) and he looked to have won the starting NT job but has been lost for the year with an injury sustained in the 3rd preseason game vs the Bengals.

The draft seen a major boost with Jonathan Allen, who some predicted as a top three pick, falling to #17 (possibly because of some concerns about his shoulders) where the Redskins grabbed him. He should be able to make a quick impact and can hopefully be a solid foundation of the defense for years to come.

The depth will come from the likes of Ziggy Hood and Anthony Lanier, a player the team has some potential.

Outside Linebacker: Ryan Kerrigan is the solid veteran, a player who averages just under 10 sacks and 3 forced fumbles a season over 6 years and has posted double digit sacks two of the last three seasons. Young Preston Smith led all rookies in sacks in 2015 but had a bit of a sophomore slump and needs to bounce back. The real wildcard is Junior Galette. Acquired as a free agent after being let go by the Saints because of a potential legal issue (not never materialised), Galette can be an explosive pass rusher and in 2013 and 2014 he posted double digit sacks but 2015 and 2016 were lost to achilles injuries. If he can bounce back from thsoe and stay healthy his low, attacking, explosive style could be a real bonus to an iffy looking pass rush.

The last card to play here is another rookie, a team mate of Jonathan Allen in Ryan Anderson. He's missed some time in camp and preseason so we'll have to see how things go for him. He might need to do some work on special teams etc but in some looks in camp he was used as a blitzer inside in certain formations.

Inside Linebacker: The spine of the defense did need some help. Will Compton is an intelligent player but is limited physically and looks likely to move back to being a backup. Mason Foster was added as a street free agent two seasons back and he's a solid baller who doesn't do too much wrong. He could well be joined in the starting lineup by free agent addition Zach Brown who played with the Bills last year. The issue is if Compton doesn't start, who calls the signals. Possibly Foster but we will have to see. Martell Spaight, a third year player, is the other backup and he's had a good preseason.

Cornerback: Possibly the strength of the defense. Josh Norman is a top player and he'll start opposite Bashaud Breeland who disappointed last year but has looked more comfortable in the new set up. They'll be joined in multiple DB formations by former Wide Receiver Quinton Dunbar who has good speed, 2nd year man Kendall Fuller who played a lot last year but struggled as he weas still recovering from a serious knee injury but he has looked better this offseason. Rookies Fabien Moreau and Josh Hosley look to make up a six pack at the position. Moreau has impressed on special team in preseaosn and is a very physical player.

Saftey: A problem for years it seems, we'll have a new line up of free agent DJ Swearinger, a player who does a good job communicating and let others know what is going on and S'ua Cravens who played more a nickel linebacker role last year but has made the switch to safety. he's missed a couple of weeks of camp/preseaosn with a knee injury but should be back for the regular season. They'll be backed up by DeShazor Everett and rookie Monte Nicholson. Veteran DeAngelo Hall starts the season on the PUP list.

The other main change is coaching where Joe Barry was fired as DC after last seaosn as his unit struggled to get off the field on 3rd down and had too many mental errors. He's replaced by last years Outside Linebackers Coach Greg Manusky who promisies to be more aggressive. We shall see! If the pass rush can produce better than I think and the mental erros can be reduced this unit should improve. It needs to do a better job creating turnovers as well.

Special Teams Dustin Hopkins has been unchallenged in camp as the palcekicker. I would have rather he be challenged as he was inconsitent last year. he's got a strong leg and does a nice job on kickoffs though. Tress Way is the punter and he's one of the better ones in the league, with a strong leg and good placement for his coverage. He also holds on kicks. Nick Sundberg is the long snapper.

Jamison Crowder will be the main punt returner whilst kicks are likely to be handled by Maurice Harris and Chris Thompson.

The Redskins made their final cuts today and there were a couple of mild surprises and points of interest.

- Quarterback Nate Sudfeld, who played all the last preseason game and was the 3rd QB last year was released. I only wanted to go with 2 QB's to free a spot up elsewhere especially as WR Terrelle Pryor has started at QB in the league and is as good an emergency option as you could wish for. In all honesty, if the team was in a situation where both Cousins and McCoy were injured I'd likely rather play Pryor than Sudfeld who should be able to find his way back to the practice squad.

- RB Matt Jones, a 3rd rd pick in 2015 was released as expected. Jones has talent, his 4.6 yards per carry average lastr year shows that but he lost the coaches confidence both seasons with fumbles. He'll get another chance somewhere I suspect.

- TE Derek Carrier was traded to the Rams for a 7th rd pick. Good to get something for a player who was likely getting released. Rams coach Sean McVay knows Carrier from his time at the Redskins.

- The roster is defensively heavily, 27 defenders to 23 offense with 3 specialists. Wide Receiver seen only five kept with both Mo Harris and draft pick Robert Davis let go whilst former Ram 2nd rd pick Brian Quick made it. Both Harris and Davis are candidates for the Practice Squad.

- 7th rd pick Josh Hosley, who torn each of his ACL's in college, made it with a strong camp and preseason and he is the reserve nickel corner. The secondary also seen the biggest surprise with Stefan McClure making it, a guy no one had on their 53 man projections.

We may see another couple of tweaks yet, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Redskins look through the options at NT with no true NT being kept due to Phil Taylor's season ending injury.

It appears 2nd year safety S'ua Cravens has strongly considered retirement and has been talked out of it for now by team officials but he'll be inactive for the first month as he is placed on the non-football exemption list. Not a good piece of news to start the season but if the guy doesn't want to play you can't force him. Apparently he near quit the game when at USC so the warning signs were there and possibly not seen...or ignored! If so, who is responsible and why? Safety is a bit of a jinxed position for the Redskins.

Ok, let's try and look at the betting markets and make some predictions for the Redskins 2017 season.

The Redskins are 6/1 to win the NFC East, bottom of the betting. I wish I could disagree but because of the type of offseason they've had, more change than ideal, changes in the FO and on the coaching staff, a sloppy preseason, the whole S'ua Cravens thing this week (possibly retiring) and because of the strength of the rest of the division, I can't see how they finish anywhere but last. Possibly the Eagles don't progress as much as possible or the Cowboys slip more than I think they will or one of the other three has a major injury crisis that ruins their season but otherwise, just not having a disaster of a season is the best I can hope for.

Whilst I would be loathe to put the blame for a poor season all on Head Coach Jay Gruden, owner Dan Snyder is not known for his patience and 20/1 with Paddy Power on Gruden being the first coach fired...I won't be backing it but I wouldn't say to anyone "that's a bad bet".

The bet I have struck is for Terrelle Prior to lead the league in receiving yardage. He's a best pried 100/1 now with bet365, I got 125/1 but he needs to get over his poor preseason. he's got the potential to be a special player though.

This week the Redskins take on divisional rival the Eagles and the 'Skins are at home and have won the last five straight. The Eagles are now slight favourites after the Redskins opened as favourites. I think as the home team and possibly with lower expectations that they can get off to a winning start but I'm not very confident and if the Eagles were to win it would not surprise me in the least.

A 30-17 defeat for the Redskins which looks a little worse than it was in terms of it being a one score game until the Eagles scored a defensive touchdown to seal the game in the last couple of minutes. That score was in itself controversial as it was on a sack/fumble return but it was clear Redskins QB Kirk Cousins arm was going forward and it should have been overturned. But, you make your own luck and if chasing the game bad things can happen and the pressure on Cousins was a constant issue all game.

Several things struck me about the Redskins plays:

- Issues from last year defensively remain, some poor tackling at times and struggling to get off the field on 3rd downs. The pass rush was also inconsistent and when blitz's were sent the Eagles seemed able to pick them up with ease or Carson Wentz, to his credit, did a good job escaping.
- Issues form last season and preseason offensively have hungover. Red Zone effectiveness, slow/sloppy starts and an inability to run the ball consistently. Kirk Cousins was the Redskins leading rusher and he's no Cam Newton. The Redskins are now 2-21 under Jay Gruden when they rush for less than 90 yards in a game.
- The play of the offensive line was the biggest disappointment as they struggled to handle the Eagles (admittedly very good defensive front. Spencer Long at the pivot and Shaun Lauvao at LG especially had a torrid time. Long gets cut a little more slack as he had just returned from injury but the whole unit must improve.
- Terrelle Pryor is likely going to be frustrating. He's big, strong, fast but still raw and had a significant drop but also made a couple of impressive catches. He's not as frustrating as former first round pick Josh Doctson who just can't get on the field with niggling injuries and is again struggling with a hamstring this week.
- Some bright spots, Chris Thompson produced some nice play, especially his tackle breaking TD reception.
- DB's Josh Norman, Bashaud Breeland and Kendall Fuller all had some really nice plays as the Eagles took several shots deep. Fuller especially sniffed out a couple of bubble screens and made good plays on them.
- Jay Gruden made a poor call before half time. The Eagles looked to be running out the clock and were stopped on 2nd down with just over a minute to go. Gruden calls time hoping to get the ball back but the Eagles then took their time, regrouped and converted the 3rd down. Wait until your D gives you faith Jay! The Redskins had actually taken the lead and this enabled the Eagles to take it back before half time.
- 3 points in the 2nd half is not good enough. Turning the ball over in the redzone is a killer. Cousins was under pressure but had Crowder open underneath who would have scored had he get the ball.

So, this week it's the teams first road game in Los Angeles at former OC Sean McVay's new team, the Rams. They gave their new coach a debut to remember as they thrashed the Colts but I think most will take that performance with a pinch of salt given the state of the Colts. It is clearer that the Rams are much more competent on offense though and defensively still look strong under veteran defensive mind Wade Phillips. They also welcome back their best defender, Aaron Donald, from a contract holdout.

I do think the Redskins can be competitive in this and possibly pull out then win. I expect them to try and establish a faster start offensively, possibly look to mix in rookie runner Sammie Perine after Rob Kelley's lack of production last week and I also expect the defense to give the Rams offense a lot more to handle than the Colts did last week. It'll be close as the Redskins don't do blowouts to opponents (they might suffer the odd one) but with a +3 spread I think at least they can cover that and possible sneak it by 3 points themselves on a late FG.

A couple of points in my last post came through. The D gave the Rams offense more to handle than the Colts had done the week previous and the team started faster. The run game was a big factorwith Rob Kelly off to a fast start but he hurt his ribs in the 2nd quarter and didn't return so it was left in the hands of Chris Thompson and Samaje Perine. Thompson delivered some big plays including 2 touchdowns runs - one a 60+ yarder on a draw play. Perine was ineffective at first, showing inpatience when running but he got better as the game went on and was a key part of the game winning drive.

The Redskins missed some chances to seal this game earlier. Chris Thompson dropped a pass when wide open in the 3rd quarter which would have been a long TD or big gain at the least. Dustin Hopkins missed a FG (hit the post) and when 10-0 up they had 1st and goal at the 6 and threw two straight fades which fell incomplete.

Kirk Cousins had a quiet game, he wasn't protected well again but he did at least make some key plays on the game winning drive. A key completion to Terrelle Pryor and then the winning touchdown pass to Ryan Grant.

The team had some injuries through the game. ILB Mason Foster made the game sealing int but had returned after dislocating his shoulder. Josh Norman, Morgan Moses and Jordan Reed all left the game and returned but may have knocks going forward.

Next week the Redskins play on Sunday Night Football against the Oakland Raiders at home. The next two weeks before the bye bring tough challenges from AFC West opponents. I've watched the Redskins since 1984 and I think the only team I've never known them beat is the Kansas City Chiefs (last win over them was 1984) who they face in Week 4.

So, the Redskins pulled off a minor shock (in a week of shocks) over the Raiders and frankly, the Raiders were fortunate to get 10 points in the 27-10 win for the Redskins as they scored their TD off the back of a muffed punt return and their FG off a fumble by Redskins rookie Samaje Perine (a great hit but injured Perine's hand, helmet right on the hand).

It was a complete team performance with Kirk Cousins winning the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award as he sliced and diced the Raiders defense with Chris Thompson a workhorse in the backfield and as an outlet receiver. However, I think the defense was what starred more than anything with 4 sacks of the least sacked QB in the NFL last year, great coverage down the field limiting the Raider receivers and some very physical play including Safety DJ Swearinger laying the wood on Beastmode Marshawn Lynch!

A couple of under the radar players on defense that people might not be noticing. Upfront DE Matt Ioaniddis was a 4th rd pick last year but was cut after his first camp and had to work back on to the roster via the Practice Squad. He's been given one position to work this year and that combined with some pro weight room work and new DL coach jim Tomsula have found the key and he leads the DL in snap count and has two half sacks in three games.

The other guy is nickel corner Kendall Fuller who had an int this past week. He played in his rookie year but was still recovering from a serious knee injury and it showed. Now he is fully fit and a year wiser he is playing really well and the nickel spot is on the field as much as anyone in todays league so it's an important position.

A real challenge this week for the Redskins before their bye in Week 5 as they go to Kansas City and face the Chiefs who are one of two unbeaten teams in the league. The Redskins have never won in KC and their last win over the Chiefs was back in 1983! Still, they can come into this matchup with confidence and probably not too much pressure as they are 7 point underdogs. One thing to keep an eye on is Kirk Cousins wife is due to give birth. She was actually due on the 18th but has gone way over so that could be a distraction for Kirk. Also, keep an eye on the injury situation. At RB, Samaje Perine has a hand injury and Rob Kelley is still getting over a rib issue so if either (or both) can't go then Mack Brown might see a lot more action. Will Jordan Reed be good to go at TE?

I've done a rubbish job updating this thread but feel like a moan so...

I get injuries are part of the game but some teams seem to get it worse than others and the Redskins fall into that category this season. Here'ss who has missed significant time or is done for the year:

RB's - Rob Kelley (IR, had missed a couple of games before going to IR); Chris Thompson (IR, broke his leg this week); Keith Marshall (IR, injured in preseason).
TE's - Jordan Reed (missed multiple games with shoulder, rib, turf toe, knee and ankle injuries); Niles Paul (missed two games with concussion).
WR's - Terelle Pryor (IR, ankle); Brian Quick (2 games with concussion); Ryan Grant (1 game with concussion).
OL - Trent Williams and Brandon Schreff (missed two games with injuries, Williams is playing on a knee he can't practice on and will require offseason surgery). Ty Nyskhe (4 games with a core muscle injury but was out when Williams was missing). Spencer Long (IR, missed 4 games now done for the year with knee and quad injuries). Shaun Lauvao (missed several games with a stinger). TJ Clemings (signed just before Week 1, starter at LT for two games when Williams/TN were both out, now on IR with ankle injury). Starting RT Morgan Moses has played through two sprained ankles as well.
DL - Jonathan Allen (IR, shoulder injury); Phil Taylor (IR, widely expected to be the starting NT, lost in preseason). Arthur Jones (IR, signed as a FA when other injured, lasted one game).
LB - Trent Murphy (IR, tore ACL in preseason); Mason Foster (IR, shoulder); Will Compton (IR, foot, both he and Foster called plays from the ILB spot). Zach Brown is battling a sore achilles at present.
CB - Josh Norman (two games with rib injury), Breshaud Breeland (2 games with knee issue), Quinton Dunbar (1 game).
S - S'ua Cravens (gone for year with personal issues); DeAngelo Hall (on PUP til Week 8 with knee injury from last year); Montae Nicholson (missed three games with shoulder and concussion injuries).
K - Dustin Hopkins (IR, leg issue).